Defining an Epic:Epic- a long poem that tells about the adventures of a well-known hero chasing a very important goal
The 5 Elements of an Epic:1. Epic Hero- The main character of an epic. A gigantic figure, typically of noble or semi-divine birth. Usually puts his courage and skill against forces(often evil). Fights for good!
2. Quest- A long , dangerous journey or mission taken by the epic hero. The hero's opportunity to prove his heroism and win honor
3. Valorous Deeds- demonstrate the hero's courage and are mostly the action in the story
4. Divine Intervention- when the hero receives help from a god or other supernatural force
Types of Epics:
Folk- stories that were recited or sung as entertainment and passed down orally from one generation to the next.
Literary- written by individual authors, drawing on the style and conventions of the folk epic.
Epic Conventions:1. invocation of a muse(when you ask a spirit or God to take care of you)
2. in medias res- Latin for "in the middle of things"
3. long, lengthy lists of battles won
Practice:1. What qualities make Beowulf a typical epic hero?
2. What qualities make Beowulf an epic piece of literature?
3. Name the five types of an epic.
4. What is the main character of an epic called?
5. What is the name of the journey the main character takes?
6. What are the two types of epics?
7. Which type of an epic is passed down from generations?
8. Name the three epic conventions.
9. What is the Latin word for "in the middle of things"?
Defining an Epic: Epic- a long poem that tells about the adventures of a well-known hero chasing a very important goal
The 5 Elements of an Epic:1. Epic Hero- The main character of an epic. A gigantic figure, typically of noble or semi-divine birth. Usually puts his courage and skill against forces(often evil). Fights for good!
2. Quest- A long , dangerous journey or mission taken by the epic hero. The hero's opportunity to prove his heroism and win honor
3. Valorous Deeds- demonstrate the hero's courage and are mostly the action in the story
4. Divine Intervention- when the hero receives help from a god or other supernatural force
Types of Epics:
Folk- stories that were recited or sung as entertainment and passed down orally from one generation to the next.
Literary- written by individual authors, drawing on the style and conventions of the folk epic.
Epic Conventions:1. invocation of a muse(when you ask a spirit or God to take care of you)
2. in medias res- Latin for "in the middle of things"
3. long, lengthy lists of battles won
Practice:1. What qualities make Beowulf a typical epic hero?
2. What qualities make Beowulf an epic piece of literature?
3. Name the five types of an epic.
4. What is the main character of an epic called?
5. What is the name of the journey the main character takes?
6. What are the two types of epics?
7. Which type of an epic is passed down from generations?
8. Name the three epic conventions.
9. What is the Latin word for "in the middle of things"?
10. What is the definition of an epic?